It’s a bold claim with 15 games to go, but the Dutch playmaker insists he’s seen enough this season to give him genuine belief that the club can escape the Championship.

Emnes scored twice in last night’s crucial 3-1 win at Millwall to take his personal total to 14 for the season.

More importantly, the victory cements Boro in the top six and brings second-place back into range.

Even so, it would take a brave man to predict the outcome of what’s been an incredibly tight promotion battle so far.

But while Emnes is quiet, he has the courage of his convictions.

Asked by the Gazette if he saw enough from Boro’s display at Millwall to suggest a return to the Premier League is realistic, he said: “I’ve seen enough from the team all season. We need to win some more games to get there but I think it’s going to work out. We’ve had some difficult games but the first half last night was very good at Millwall and if we keep playing like that we should make it.”

In print the quotes don’t come across particularly forcefully, but there was real intent in Emnes’s statement.

“I’m really enjoying my football,” he added. “I have a good relationship with the manager and the players and I have some good team-mates around me who can help Middlesbrough go up.”

The 23-year-old has endured a difficult few weeks after a storming start to the season but he’s recently been playing despite carrying injuries. Last night he was more like his old self and his second goal was a stunning strike.